Extending Flexible Bristle Toothbrush

ABSTRACT

The bristles of this toothbrush design is made of flexible material, the bristle component is not fully attached to the tooth brush handle. Beneath the bristle component is a wire/lever actuator mechanism that could be either pushed or pulled, via an attachment of the wire or lever to a button on the handle of the toothbrush. When pushed or pulled depending on where the wire is attached to the flexible membrane, it will become semi oval or half circle shape. When the user is done and the button is released because of the flexible material used in the construction of the membrane, stored kinetic energy and will return the button to its neutral position. And the membrane to its normal flat or slightly curved position so the toothbrush could be used as a traditional toothbrush design.

USE

The purpose of this new toothbrush design is for the toothbrush to reach the inside of the back of the teeth, which the traditional flat or slightly curved wave brush have difficulty reaching. This design offers an easier angle for the individual for a more thorough cleaning.

DRAWINGS

Part number apply to all figures, (A, B, C and D)

1. Toothbrush handle

2. Actuator Switch: moves forwards and backwards

3. Actuator Level: pushes or pulls so the flexible membrane can extend out.

4. Flexible toothbrush membrane

Figure A

The toothbrush handle (part 1) and Flexible toothbrush membrane (part 4) side view, this is the flexible toothbrush at the normal position, the drawing also shows the interior of the toothbrush head to expose the actuator wire/lever (part 3). Refer to part numbers on page 5.

Figure B

The toothbrush handle (part 1) and Flexible toothbrush membrane (part 4) side view, this is the flexible toothbrush at the curved position. The actuator switch (part 2), moves forward and backwards in order to create a curved membrane (part 4). the drawing also shows the interior of the toothbrush head to expose the actuator wire/lever (part 3). Refer to part numbers on page 5.

Figure C

Birds eye view of the toothbrush handle (part 1), the toothbrush membrane is not seen so that the actuator wire/lever (part 3) is shown. Actuator wire/lever (part 3) is attached to the front of the membrane. The actuator switch (part 2) has to be pulled back so the flexible membrane (part 4) can extend out. Refer to part numbers on page 5.

Figure D

Birds eye view of the toothbrush handle (part 1), the toothbrush membrane is not seen so that the actuator wire/lever (part 3) is shown. Actuator wire/lever (part 3) is attached to the back of the membrane. The actuator switch (part 2) has to be pulled forward so the flexible membrane (part 4) can extend out. Refer to part numbers on page 5. 

1. Toothbrush handle, contains all components required for the operation of the Flexible bristle head. This component is used to maneuver the flexible bristles into the angle which can best be used by the operator.
 2. Actuator Switch, this element transfers the kinetic energy to the actuator lever. Which would in turn cause the flexible bristle membrane to extend out, in order to make contact with the hard to reach corners.
 3. Actuator Lever, this component transfers the energy from the actuator switch to the flexible bristle component by pulling or pushing allowing the flexible bristles to extend and return to the normal position. This uses a forwards and backwards motion of the actuator switch.
 4. Flexible toothbrush membrane, this component becomes extended via actuator lever which allows it to extend out and return to normal position due to the elastic nature of this component. 